Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. put on a show as he practiced for Home Run Derby at Fenway

If practice really does makes perfect, then Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is going to do great in next week’s All-Star Game Home Run Derby.

Ahead of the Royals’ series opener Friday against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, Witt took early batting practice to get an idea for what it will be like to compete in the Derby.

“Just to try to see how it feels and everything,” Witt said, “just kind of a little proper preparation before it happens.”

Witt will have brother-in-law James Russell throwing to him next week at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. Russell, a left-hander, pitched for the Cubs, Braves and Phillies in a seven-year career that ended in 2016.

The rules for the Home Run Derby have changed this year and each batter will face a maximum of 40 pitches.

“Just trying to figure out the timing and everything and just having fun with it,” Witt said.

Depending on the witness, Witt hit 26 or 27 home runs at Fenway Park in his practice round Friday. Should he replicate that Monday, Witt should be in the running to advance out of the first round.

Boston homecoming

Witt expected to have 10 to 15 family and friends at Friday’s game and a few more likely to show up as the weekend progresses.

The Royals and Red Sox are in the thick of the Wild Card chase and both entered Friday with 51 victories. The Royals took the opener 6-1.

“It’s unbelievable,” Witt said. “We’re going to enjoy it and anytime you come back to Fenway, it’s an honor just to play here. It’s a blessing.”

Witt has fond memories of Fenway because his father grew up in Canton, Massachusetts. The city is located 20 miles south of Boston, and Witt made trips to Fenway as a kid.

He fondly recalled singing “Sweet Caroline,” a Red Sox tradition, not that he’ll do that this weekend.

“Just all the memories,” Witt said. “My grandparents taking me up from Canton, Mass., up to here and coming to visit the Cape and then going to the Red Sox game. One game I got to sit up on the (Green) Monster, so it’s pretty cool to see. And so yeah, it’s been awesome.”

Witt will be taking his shots at that Green Monster in left field during the three games, and he cleared it plenty of times before Friday’s game.